Primary Isolated Subtalar Arthrodesis: Outcome after 2 to 5 Years Followup

Abstract

This study found good clinical, subjective and radiographic results matching that of the reported literature. However, pedobarographic assessment suggests that great functional differences still remain when compared to a normal foot. Subtalar arthrodesis may induce an abnormal gait pattern by preventing compensation of axial rotation of the tibia. This is also reflected in the unaffected side, which may indicate an effort in the general locomotor control to keep a symmetrical gait pattern. This finally alters the pressure and force distribution under both feet. Nevertheless, subtalar arthrodesis is considered a valuable treatment for various isolated subtalar disorders.

Arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint using angle-stable mini-plates: a prospective study

“…Formerly, good to excellent results have been reported following talonavicular fusion with patient satisfaction rates above 90 % [16][17][18]. Our study reports an overall patient satisfaction rate of 93.3 % at the final evaluation.…”

Isolated talonavicular joint arthrodesis through minimal incision surgery

“…It is currently being used to treat traumatic, rheumatoid, and degenerative isolated talonavicular arthritis, posterior tibial tendon deficiencies, and pes valgus deformities, as well as congenital deformities and neuromuscular diseases [1][2][3]5,[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. We used isolated TNA by MIS, fundamentally for patients with precarious soft tissue, but without malalignment of the hindfoot or peritalar destabilization [19].…”

Subtalar Joint Arthrodesis

“…The investigators also noted that mild arthritic changes occurred in 12 tibiotalar, 18 talonavicular, and 15 calcaneocuboid joints with median follow-up at 56 months, although these radiographic changes did not correlate with decreased functional scores. Diezi and colleagues 31 reported a 93% union rate in 15 patients, again with significant improvement in functional scores. Several studies reporting on open subtalar arthrodesis for pes planovalgus report fusion rates of 100% without bone grafting.…”

“…In the short and long terms, both types of procedures have complications, including superficial and deep infection, nonunion, malunion, neurovascular injury, complex regional pain syndrome, asymptomatic and symptomatic arthritis development in adjacent joints, and hardware prominence and failure requiring secondary procedures. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11]13,14,17,18,22,27,[30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38] SUMMARY After conservative measures have failed, both arthroscopic and open subtalar joint arthrodesis techniques can successfully be used to treat conditions causing pain, deformity, or both. Each technique has its own set of indications, contraindications, and complications.…”